Congratulations to former Portsmouth High School pupil Sam Davies who successfully completed the Vendee-Globe on Saturday 14 February, finishing in 4th place.

Sam, who left the School in 1992 was one of only two female skippers in the gruelling single-handed, non stop, 23,680 mile circumnavigation race.

Sam set sail from Les Sables d'Olonne in November and returned 95 days 4 hours, 39 minutes and 1 second later in her boat Roxy. Sam was met by huge crowds of well wishers and supporters in France. Equally staff and pupils at the School had all been eagerly awaiting her return.

 Mrs Spender, who used to teach Sam when she was at School said; "When I first heard that Sam was to sail in the Vendee Globe I was over the moon, having taught her PE whilst she was at PHS. Since the day she came into school to talk about her forthcoming trip I have been and avid follower and I have been addicted to the Vendee Globe website, infact, I think I will have withdrawal symptoms now she has finished, having spent 96 days watching Sam and Roxy’s every move online, from red Socks to sunsets, keel repairs to mast climbing Sam’s stories have kept us all entertained and the magnitude of her achievement is awe inspiring.”

Another member of staff, Mrs Nelson, herself a keen sailor said;
“Sam’s daily messages have given us a true insight into the enormous character she has. All girls can identify with her, when she calls her sails names, dances on deck to a CD of girly tracks, dresses in her cool Roxy kit and shows that she is just having an amazing time. She is a true inspiration because she appears to be just like all of us in her thoughts and hobbies and yet she is clearly incredibly brave and capable to have achieved such enormous goals in the sailing world. As a role model for the girls at Portsmouth High School she is second to none, showing that if you want something enough it is possible to achieve it."

 It is not only staff who have been inspired by Sam's achievements, Saskia Lade, in Year 9 who met with Sam in September and visited her boat Roxy said; “I would love to do what Sam has done, and I suspect others would too, but you have to be adventurous, talented, determined and brave. When Sam talked to us I thought she had all of these attributes and is setting a great example to everyone out there. I’m proud to say she went to my School!”

Whilst Georgie Andrew, Sixth Form Sports Scholar said; “Following Sam’s progress in the Vendee Globe 2009 has been a huge inspiration to me and seeing her tackle everything the race has thrown at her with such enthusiasm has made me determined to succeed in everything that I do. I feel privileged to have met such an amazing sports women and to have visited the boat in which she has sailed all around the world.”